DEVELOPMENT BOARD TO SEND 3RD ZONING-VIOLATION LETTER

City officials hope to resolve a zoning infraction involving two prominent area construction companies before they get to the point of levying fines.

The property in question is at 110 Century Drive within the Halcyon Industrial Park. It is owned by Tomasso Bros. of New Britain but leased to Bristol-based D'Amato Construction.

Construction equipment is stored there, a use not allowed in an industrial park zone. The purpose of an industrial park zone, according to city codes, is to provide growth of new industry and create employment opportunities.

Some city officials are sensitive to the issue because the city contributed financially to creation of the park's roads and sewer lines. In a 1985 agreement with Tomasso, the developer agreed to abide by the land-use regulations.

The Bristol Development Authority since then has also aided Tomasso by recruiting buyers for subdivisions of the nearly 100 acres.

Jonathan Rosenthal, executive director of the development authority, said that about 1,600 people are employed by 35 businesses in the complex. Still, he wanted to see maximization of the last several plots .

"We spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to develop that area and we expect some return," Rosenthal said. "We want more jobs created and tax revenue."

The development authority board Wednesday night agreed to send another letter to Peter Gasky, the leasing agent for Tomasso, notifying the developer to conform to the zoning regulations.

Previous letters sent by Rosenthal on July 25, and by Zoning Enforcement Officer Guy Morin on July 30, have not been answered, officials said. Development authority board member Patty Ewan thought another attempt at peaceful communication was in order.

"We needed to back up zoning enforcement and also needed as a board to make sure [the Tomassos] follow the regulations they agreed to," she said Thursday.

Morin said he would wait three more weeks before taking further action. He could issue a cease-and-desist order for the improper land use and issue $90 daily fines for the duration of any violation, he said.

The equipment is being stored neatly on the lot behind green fencing. Generators, plows, ladders and fencing were visible Thursday.

Gasky could not be reached for comment Thursday. An employee at D'Amato Construction said executives Edward D'Amato Sr. and Edward D'Amato Jr. were both on vacation.